OURANOSAURUS

(ooh-RAN-uh-SOR-us)

MEANS:
Valiant lizard

PERIOD:
Early Cretaceous – 110 Mya

WHERE:
Africa: Niger

As an early specialized off-shoot of the duck-billed dinosaur group, the most visually distinguishing feature of the Ouranosaurus was the large hump on its back, much like that of a camel or bison. The hump may have had much the same function as well – storing nutrition for use during harsh conditions.

The large number of cheek teeth in the sides of the jaw, as well as the shape of the teeth, indicates that the diet of Ouranosaurus consisted of tough plant leaves, fruit and seeds.